Chapter 8

The rush from class still hummed under my skin as I left the lecture hall. For once, I felt bold and alive for once. The way Professor Damien Vale had stared at my chest, losing his usual icy control, played on repeat in my mind. I adjusted the strap of my bag and walked down the quieter side corridor that led toward the main quad a narrow hallway lined with old bulletin boards and dim lighting.

I didn’t see Julian coming. His hand shot out from a shadowed alcove, grabbing my wrist and yanking me into the narrow space between two pillars. My back hit the wall with a soft thud. He loomed over me, breathing hard, his usually handsome face twisted with raw jealousy.

  “What the fuck was that, Ava?” he hissed, voice low and venomous. His grip on my wrist tightened. “You think parading your tits around like that in his class is cute? I saw the way he was looking at you. Staring like a fucking animal. That’s my view. Only for my eyes.”

  I tried to pull away, heart racing. “Julian, let go. You’re hurting me.”

He didn’t. Instead, he stepped closer, crowding me against the wall. His free hand came up, hovering near the deep plunge of my top. His eyes dropped to my exposed cleavage and stayed there. For a long, uncomfortable moment, he just stared hungry, possessive, and losing control. His breathing grew heavier. A low, frustrated sigh escaped him.

  “Damn…” he muttered, almost to himself, like the sight was physically painful. “You’re really testing me. Walking around like this, bouncing them for him. You belong to me. No one else gets to look at what’s mine. Especially not that cold bastard professor.”

His thumb brushed the edge of my top, dangerously close. The jealousy in his eyes was wild, and unhinged. “I’ve been patient. But if you keep dressing like a slut for him, I won’t be anymore. Understand?”

  I shoved at his chest hard. “Get off me, Julian. I’m not yours.”

  He finally released my wrist but didn’t step back immediately. His gaze lingered on my chest one last time before he straightened, jaw clenched. “This isn’t over.”

He stormed off down the hallway, leaving me shaken but furious. I rubbed my wrist and took a deep breath, refusing to let him ruin the small victory I’d felt earlier.

I continued walking, trying to steady myself. As I turned the corner toward the faculty area, I saw her. 

Sophia Kensington had cornered Professor Damien Vale near his office door. She was in full flirt mode, chest pushed out, hand lightly touching his arm, laughing too loudly at something he hadn’t said.

  “Professor Vale, you looked so intense in class today,” she purred, twirling a strand of hair. “I was wondering if you had time for some… private tutoring. I could really use your expertise.”

  Damien barely glanced at her. His expression remained cold and indifferent as he unlocked his office door. “Office hours are posted, Miss Kensington. Use them like everyone else.”

He dismissed her completely, stepping into his office without another word. I walked past just as Sophia stood there fuming. Our eyes met for a second hers full of hatred. I didn’t stop.

  “Professor Vale,” I said softly as I passed his doorway.

He looked up from his desk. His dark eyes immediately dropped to my chest, locking onto the deep cleavage my top revealed. The reaction was instant. His jaw tightened. He inhaled sharply, fingers freezing on the papers in front of him. For a heartbeat, the cold mask cracked again raw hunger flashing across his face. Then, just as quickly, he looked away. Without a word, he stood up abruptly, grabbed his coat, and walked out of the office in the opposite direction, shoulders rigid. He didn’t greet me back. Didn’t acknowledge me at all. But I saw the way his hand clenched at his side as he passed. My stomach flipped with heat. He was running from me. From whatever this pull was between us.

I kept walking, a secret smile tugging at my lips despite Julian’s earlier confrontation. Professor Damien Vale was starting to crack, slowly. And for the first time in forever he reacted to my presence.